Tianjin explosions: Sodium Cyanide ‘found’ may lead to dangerous effects

Reports confirmed that the highly toxic chemical “Sodium Cyanide” has been located near the Tianjin explosions site. Following the confirmation of the existence of the toxic chemical, the Chinese authorities have ordered for the evacuation of the residents within a 3kms of radius from the Tianjin blast site.

The evacuation started after the Police have confirmed the highly toxic chemical near the site. Sodium Cyanide, is a White-crystalline powder which can be extremely fatal if inhaled or ingested. The dangerous chemical inhibits the oxygen metabolism and eventually leads to the death of the victim, if inhaled.

According to the preliminary reports, the blasts took place at a ware house which stores chemicals goods at the port. The ware house building is owned by Tianjin Dongjiang Port Ruihai International Logistics. officials have not yet come to an conclusion about the reasons behind the two blasts, which took place within an interval of 30 seconds.

There have been some suggestion that the water sprayed over the chemicals may have resulted in the second blast. Calcium carbide, known to be at the site, reacts with water to create the highly explosive acetylene. Officials have confirmed the presence of the chemicals calcium carbide, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. With the latest confirmation of the Sodium Cyanide, things turned to be difficult for the Chinese officials to handle the situation.

Anti-Chemical warfare troops have been sent to the blast site to deal with the dangerous chemical. The Chinese officials said that the water and air quality levels were safe so far.

There are allegations that the operators of the Tianjin site were not following the safety measures. The Government has ordered the authorities to conduct rides over all the warehouses across the country and seal those which did not follow the safety measures as suggested by the law, the BBC reports.

At least eight-five people were reported to be dead in the blasts. Of the 721 people injured, 25 are in critical condition and 33 are serious.